Blog & Research

B Chen, Z Zhao, N Raoufi-Rad, V Lee, M Grace, R Reddy, M Stoodley, International Journal of Radiation Research (2016) 14

Abstract

Background

Radiation-induced molecular changes on the endothelial surface of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) may be used as markers for specific vascular targeting agents. In this study, we examined the level of expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) on brain endothelial cell surface a)er radiation treatment, with the aim of targeting the radiation-induced PECAM-1 on the AVM endothelium with pro- thrombotic agents to selectively occlude AVM vessels.

Materials and Methods

Mouse cerebral endothelial cells (bEnd.3) were irradiated with 5, 15, or 25 Gy. Real-me quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in- cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to quantify the temporal gene and surface PECAM-1 protein expression up to 168 hours post-irradiaon. Two-tailed unpaired t-tests were used to determine stascal significance.

Results

PECAM-1 gene expression was found to be significantly elevated post-irradiaon in real-me quantave PCR, with the maximum level of gene expression being evident at 120 hours post-irradiaon represenng an 11-fold increase in comparison to non-irradiated controls (p<0.001). In-cell ELISA detected a similar up-regulaon for protein expression on the cell surface with delayed peak me.

Conclusion

Ionising radiaon can induce the up-regulaon of PECAM-1 on brain endothelial cell surface. This protein may be a potenal candidate for facilitang selecve AVM vessel occlusion through the applicaon of radiosurgery followed by vascular targeng.